204 THE VIVARIUM. 
tail with a vertebral series of large quadrangular spots, the 
margins of which are sometimes serrated, sometimes straight ; an 
oblong spot on each side of each of these quadrangular spots. 
Sides of the body with another series of rather irregular brown 
spots, which sometimes have a light centre. Lower parts 
yellowish, brownish, or blackish on the sides.”’ This Snake is 
said to have attained a length of 30ft. The tail of the animal isa 
little more than one-eighth of its entire length. 
The Royal Python (P. regius) is a most suitable inmate of the 
Vivarium. It is a very gentle and handsome Reptile, and not 
by any means large for a Python. Dealers generally call it the 
“‘ Ball Snake,” from its habit of lying rolled up. It comes from 
West Africa, especially from the neighbourhood of Gambia and 
Sierra Leone. Though a rarer animal than either P. sebw or 
P. molurus, it can sometimes be bought almost as cheaply as 
they can, probably because, being of a smaller size, it is not so 
attractive as its larger relatives in the eyes of the ordinary 
showman. 
The head-shields of this Python are arranged, to a considerable 
extent, like those of the Reptile just described. It has about ten 
upper labials, the first four being deeply pitted, three or four of 
the lower labials being only slightly pitted. The scales are 
arranged in from fifty-three to sixty-three rows. The ventrals 
number about 200, the anal being either divided or entire. 
There are from thirty to thirty-seven sub-caudals. Mr. 
Boulenger, in describing the colour of the Royal Python, says 
that the upper surface of the head is “ dark brown, with a pale, 
black-edged streak on each side, beginning above the nostril 
and passing through the eye; a dark brown, black-edged band 
occupies the back, sending down triangular or Y-shaped processes 
on the sides, which are pale brown; this dorsal band encloses a 
light streak on the neck, another on the tail, and a series of from 
ten to eighteen light round or oval spots; belly yellowish with or 
without small brown spots on the sides.”” This Snake is not often 
more than 4ft. long. The tail equals about one-twelfth of the 
animal’s entire length. 
All the members of the genus Python have nostrils which point 
upwards; moderately sized eyes, with vertical pupils; a body 
